ASTA announced that it will host its first-ever Retail Travel Leadership Summit at the 2008 THETRADESHOW in Orlando. This innovative event will bring together industry leaders and executives from top-tier travel companies and foster open discussions and debates on pressing travel industry issues.

"The Retail Travel Leadership Summit will be an intimate, exclusive meeting," said William Maloney, CTC, ASTA executive vice president and COO. "Topics will be debated by us, for us and in front of us; new ideas will be expressed and solutions to industry challenges explored. This will be the must-attend event of the year for those who feel they have been called to actively lead this industry in a positive, new direction."

The retail travel constituency encompasses three groups: consumers, travel retailers and travel suppliers. ASTA is the leading industry organization representing the individuals and companies consumers turn to when purchasing travel. Iconic speakers who understand the constituency's group dynamics and are capable of conveying complex, interchangeable methods for interacting with each sector successfully will lead this provocative forum. Attendees will hear progressive thought leadership ideas to help them build on their company's success and maintain their position in an elite and competitive league of travel companies.  

Issues to be discussed include controversial topics such as, "The Financial Future of the Cruise Line Industry" and "The Future of GDS Systems - Who Will Pay?" The discussion panel entitled, "The Economics of Going Green," will feature a "point, counterpoint" format, examining the question of whether it is recommended or even feasible for the travel industry to go "green." While specific topics are slated for discussion, ample time will be allotted for impromptu dialogue and free thought.